Israel to Move on from Old Solar Water Heaters

Jerusalem, 10 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure published what it called a “groundbreaking” report, indicating that after 50 years it is time to move on from the old solar water heaters and switch to innovative photovoltaic systems and heat pumps, which, with an investment of up to 4,500 Shekels ($1,3900), will lead to a reduction in the cost of living, savings of 500-1,500 per year for households, an economic benefit of approximately 3.3 billion Shekels ($1 billion) in the future, and increased distributive justice among the tenants of shared buildings.

The report recommends mandating these technologies in new construction, along with promoting incentives to promote the issue in existing construction.

The existing regulations, which require the installation of solar water heaters since the early 1980s, have brought impressive benefits to the energy sector over the past 50 years and placed Israel at the forefront of the world in the use of solar energy. Today, about 85% of households enjoy the benefits of solar water heaters and together save about 5% of the total annual electricity consumption in Israel.